Neil Diamond - 12 Songs

Neil Diamond, certainly one of America’s most iconic songwriters and a multi-platinum pop star of generations past, has released a surprising new record called 12 Songs. Neil has always been a talented songwriter, but his musical career took more of a turn towards entertainment, as he used over-the-top music to swoon middle aged women and the like. When I had heard good things about the new Neil Diamond record, it was understandably hard to believe. I was shocked at the result. 12 Songs is a powerful, stripped down, and earnest record from Neil Diamond. Produced by Rick Rubin, Neil is left with not much more than what got him started – his guitar. Armed with not much more instrumentation than guitar, keyboards, and bass, Neil’s voice is as strong and confident as ever. Clear and forceful, he cuts to the soul in incredibly powerful songs. “Hell Yeah” is one of the best songs of the year, as it drove shivers through my body with each crescendo and climax.

12 Songs doesn’t have any gimmicks. There are no obvious singles on this record, yet there are plenty of uptempo songs that are far from cliché, as one might categorize Neil’s previous work. “Delirious Love” features Neil’s classic growl that accompanies his singing voice when he gets passionate. On the other hand, “I’m On to You” is a somber, jazzy song with a walking bass line, saxophones, and brush strokes on the snare. It’s hard not to be surprised at Neil’s versatility as he has truly expanded out of the genre he’s associated with, adult contemporary. “We” has that sort of innocent back-porch feel to it that brings a smile to the listener’s face. Simple and honest, 12 songs is a refreshing acoustic record with unbelievable production from the Rick Rubin team. Neil’s voice is crystal clear and in the forefront of everything, and the backing instruments are simple yet fitting for each individual song.

There are a few songs that get lost in the mix around the middle of the record, including a few ballads that don’t really fit. The ordering of the tracks seems strange at times, as the pacing of the record doesn’t work to it’s advantage. It’s a record that is best experienced with your own custom ordering of songs, or even leaving a few out. One thing can’t be denied though: Neil Diamond has put himself out there in his true form. There are no tricks here. 12 Songs seems to be the definitive end of Neil’s career as a pop star and his progression into a somber singer/songwriter. It’s only fitting that Neil ends where he began. Plus, he helped save Silverman, and as JD McNugent (Jack Black) and Wayne Lefessier (Steve Zahn) said - he’s America’s greatest songwriter and he’s our hero, so…